Portfolio

Boston, MA

The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) was designed as a contemplative space for experiencing contemporary art and a dynamic area for public enjoyment. The design weaves together interior and exterior space, producing shifting perspectives of the waterfront throughout the museum’s galleries and public spaces. Spaces include a corporate lobby, galleries, the Poss Family Mediatheque, digital media center, the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater, the Charles and Fran Rodgers Education Center, and an outdoor plaza.

Jaffe Holden served as the acoustic consultant for the development of the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater, a 325-seat theater that accommodates dance, drama, music, experimental media, film, video, and lectures. The intimate setting and glass walls of the theater provide a spectacular view of Boston Harbor and make it an exciting space for performances. The floor and ceiling of the theater on the second and third floors is made of wood and the remaining walls are glazed in clear glass to allow the harbor view to serve as the backdrop behind the 51-foot stage. The glass walls can be controlled to meet performance needs including full transparency, filtered light with no view, and total blackout. Jaffe Holden designed fixed and adjustable acoustic systems to provide sound quality control and to address the acoustic challenges presented by the glass walls.